Abstract

This study presents the first comprehensive photographic documentation of butterfly diversity in Booni, Upper Chitral, Pakistan. Through field-based surveys conducted between April 2020 and October 2021, 23 butterfly species across 5 families were documented with 37 total observations. The study area spans an elevation gradient of 2,105-2,571 meters, representing montane butterfly communities of the Hindu Kush region. Butterflies were documented across diverse habitats including agricultural lands, mountain slopes, streams and rivers, meadows, wildlands, and home gardens. This baseline inventory provides essential data for future biodiversity monitoring and conservation planning in this climatically sensitive region.

Introduction

Upper Chitral represents a critical biodiversity hotspot within the Hindu Kush mountain range, yet remains significantly understudied for invertebrate diversity. Booni, as the administrative headquarters of Upper Chitral, serves as an ideal location for baseline biodiversity documentation. Butterflies serve as valuable indicators of ecosystem health and climate change impacts in mountain environments.

This study aims to:

  1. Document butterfly species diversity in Booni
  2. Establish baseline data for future monitoring
  3. Analyze elevational and temporal patterns
  4. Create a photographic reference collection

Study Area

Location: Booni, Upper Chitral District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Coordinates: 36°15’N, 72°15’E
Elevation Range: 2,105 - 2,571 meters above sea level
Survey Period: April 2020 - October 2021 (18 months)
Habitat Types: Agricultural lands, mountain slopes, streams and rivers, meadows, wildlands, and home gardens

# Load data
butterflies <- read_csv("../data/cleaned/booni_butterflies_cleaned.csv", show_col_types = FALSE)
species_checklist <- read_csv("../outputs/tables/species_checklist.csv", show_col_types = FALSE)

Methods

Butterfly observations were documented through field-based photography in Booni and surrounding areas between April 2020 and October 2021. Butterflies were photographed when encountered across diverse habitats including agricultural lands, mountain slopes, streams and rivers, meadows, wildlands, and home gardens. Each observation was photographed using a Redmi Note 10 Pro mobile phone camera and georeferenced using GPS. Species identifications were verified through consultation with Ackram Awan (butterfly expert, Pakistan), the iNaturalist community identification system, and regional field guides.

Data Collection: - Photography-based documentation across multiple habitat types - GPS coordinates and elevation recorded for each observation - Date, time, and habitat type documented - Species identified to species level through expert consultation

Survey Habitats: - Agricultural lands and croplands - Mountain slopes and hillsides
- Streams and riverine areas - Meadows and grasslands - Wildlands and natural vegetation - Home gardens

Data Analysis: All analyses were conducted in R (version 4.5.1). Spatial analysis used sf and leaflet packages, while visualizations employed ggplot2 and viridis color schemes.

Results

Species Diversity

A total of 23 butterfly species from 5 families were documented across 37 observations.

family_summary <- species_checklist %>%
  group_by(Family) %>%
  summarise(Species = n(), .groups = "drop") %>%
  arrange(desc(Species)) %>%
  mutate(Percentage = round(100 * Species / sum(Species), 1))

kable(family_summary, 
      col.names = c("Family", "Species Count", "Percentage (%)"),
      caption = "Butterfly family diversity in Booni") %>%
  kable_styling(bootstrap_options = c("striped", "hover"))
Butterfly family diversity in Booni
Family Species Count Percentage (%)
Nymphalidae 9 39.1
Lycaenidae 7 30.4
Pieridae 4 17.4
Hesperiidae 2 8.7
Papilionidae 1 4.3 
include_graphics("../outputs/figures/01_family_diversity.png")
Distribution of butterfly species across families

Distribution of butterfly species across families

Dominant Families

Nymphalidae (Brush-footed butterflies) and Lycaenidae (Blues, Hairstreaks, Coppers) were the most diverse families, collectively representing 65% of documented species. This pattern is typical of Himalayan montane butterfly communities.

Complete Species Checklist

checklist_display <- species_checklist %>%
  mutate(
    Date = format(Date, "%d %b %Y"),
    Elevation_m = round(Elevation_m, 0)
  ) %>%
  select(
    `#` = Species_ID,
    Family,
    `English Name` = EnglishName,
    `Scientific Name` = ScientificName,
    `First Observed` = Date,
    `Elevation (m)` = Elevation_m
  )

kable(checklist_display,
      caption = "Annotated checklist of butterfly species from Booni") %>%
  kable_styling(bootstrap_options = c("striped", "hover", "condensed"), 
                font_size = 11) %>%
  column_spec(4, italic = TRUE)
Annotated checklist of butterfly species from Booni
# Family English Name Scientific Name First Observed Elevation (m)
1 Hesperiidae Mallow Skipper Carcharodus alceae 22 Jun 2020 2116
2 Hesperiidae Chitral Inky Skipper Erynnis pathan 19 Jul 2020 2197
3 Lycaenidae Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi 23 Apr 2021 2517
4 Lycaenidae Walnut Blue Chaetoprocta odata 04 Jul 2020 2111
5 Lycaenidae Hedge Blue Holarctic azures 12 Jun 2020 2110
6 Lycaenidae Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas 30 Jul 2020 2115
7 Lycaenidae Loew’s Blue Plebejidea loewii 12 Jun 2021 2571
8 Lycaenidae Common Blue Polyommatus icarus 22 Jun 2020 2117
9 Lycaenidae White-line Hairstreak Satyrium deria 12 Jun 2020 2110
10 Nymphalidae Indian Tortoiseshell Aglais cashmirensis 03 Apr 2021 2114
11 Nymphalidae Enervated Rockbrown Chazara enervata 12 Jun 2021 2151
12 Nymphalidae White-ringed Meadowbrown Hyponephele davendra 12 Jun 2021 2346
13 Nymphalidae Kanetisa Digna Kanetisa digna 12 Jun 2020 2217
14 Nymphalidae Dark Wall Lasiommata menava 04 Jun 2020 2231
15 Nymphalidae Chitral White Admiral Limenitis lepechini 20 Jun 2021 2113
16 Nymphalidae Robert Fritillary Melitaea robertsi 26 Apr 2021 2362
17 Nymphalidae Chitrali Satyr Satyrus pimpla 20 Jul 2020 2296
18 Nymphalidae Painted Lady Vanessa cardui 12 Jun 2020 2134
19 Papilionidae Old World Swallowtail Papilio machaon 29 Apr 2021 2365
20 Pieridae Pioneer White Belenois aurota 09 Sep 2020 2107
21 Pieridae Eastern Pale Clouded Yellow Colias erate 19 Jul 2020 2266
22 Pieridae Large White Pieris brassicae 12 Jun 2020 2110
23 Pieridae Small White Pieris rapae 20 Jul 2020 2263

Temporal Patterns

include_graphics("../outputs/figures/02_temporal_distribution.png")
Seasonal distribution of butterfly observations

Seasonal distribution of butterfly observations

Peak butterfly activity occurred during June-July, with 13 observations recorded during this period. Spring emergence (April-May) showed moderate activity with 8 observations, while late season records (August-October) were limited.

include_graphics("../outputs/figures/04_species_accumulation.png")
Species accumulation curve showing discovery rate over time

Species accumulation curve showing discovery rate over time

The species accumulation curve demonstrates continued discovery of new species throughout the survey period, suggesting that additional survey effort would likely yield more species records.

Elevational Patterns

include_graphics("../outputs/figures/03_elevation_distribution.png")
Distribution of observations across elevation gradient

Distribution of observations across elevation gradient 

include_graphics("../outputs/figures/05_elevation_ranges.png")
Elevation ranges for each butterfly species

Elevation ranges for each butterfly species

Observations spanned a 466-meter elevation gradient (2,105-2,571m). Species showed varying elevational preferences:

  • Highest record: Loew’s Blue (Plebejidea loewii) at 2,571m
  • Lowest record: Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) at 2,105m
include_graphics("../outputs/figures/06_elevation_by_family.png")
Elevation distribution by family

Elevation distribution by family

Spatial Distribution

# Load and display the interactive map
map_file <- "../outputs/maps/booni_butterfly_map.html"
if(file.exists(map_file)) {
  include_url(map_file)
} else {
  cat("Map file not found. Run 02_spatial_analysis.R first.")
}

Interactive map of butterfly observations (open in browser for full functionality)

Observations were concentrated in accessible areas around Booni town and nearby agricultural zones, with some records from higher elevation sites during spring-summer expeditions.

Species Accounts

Family Lycaenidae (Blues, Hairstreaks, Coppers)

Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus)

First observed: 22 June 2020
Elevation: 2,117m
One of the most widespread butterfly species, observed at multiple locations throughout the survey period.

Common Blue
Common Blue

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

First observed: 30 July 2020
Elevation: 2,115m
Small, vibrant copper-colored butterfly frequently observed in open areas.

Small Copper
Small Copper

Hedge Blue (Holarctic azures)

First observed: 12 June 2020
Elevation: 2,110m
Small blue butterfly found in hedgerows and garden areas.

Hedge Blue
Hedge Blue

Walnut Blue (Chaetoprocta odata)

First observed: 4 July 2020
Elevation: 2,111m
Associated with walnut trees, an important species for agricultural landscapes.

Walnut Blue
Walnut Blue

White-line Hairstreak (Satyrium deria)

First observed: 12 June 2020
Elevation: 2,110m
Distinctive hairstreak with characteristic white line markings.

White-line Hairstreak
White-line Hairstreak

Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

First observed: 23 April 2021
Elevation: 2,517m
Bright green underwing, found at highest elevations in the study.

Green Hairstreak
Green Hairstreak

Loew’s Blue (Plebejidea loewii)

First observed: 12 June 2021
Elevation: 2,571m
Recorded at the highest elevation of all species in this survey.

Loew’s Blue
Loew’s Blue

Family Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflies)

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

First observed: 12 June 2020
Elevation: 2,134m
Cosmopolitan species, one of the most widespread butterflies globally.

Painted Lady
Painted Lady

Indian Tortoiseshell (Aglais cashmirensis)

First observed: 3 April 2021
Elevation: 2,114m
Regional species found in the Himalayan region.

Indian Tortoiseshell
Indian Tortoiseshell

Dark Wall (Lasiommata menava)

First observed: 4 June 2020
Elevation: 2,231m
Brown butterfly frequently observed on stone walls and rocky areas.

Dark Wall
Dark Wall

Chitrali Satyr (Satyrus pimpla)

First observed: 20 July 2020
Elevation: 2,296m
Named after the Chitral region, a species of conservation interest.

Chitrali Satyr
Chitrali Satyr

Enervated Rockbrown (Chazara enervata)

First observed: 12 June 2021
Elevation: 2,151m
Mountain specialist found on rocky slopes.

Enervated Rockbrown
Enervated Rockbrown

White-ringed Meadowbrown (Hyponephele davendra)

First observed: 12 June 2021
Elevation: 2,346m
Distinctive white-ringed pattern on wings.

White-ringed Meadowbrown
White-ringed Meadowbrown

Kanetisa Digna (Kanetisa digna)

First observed: 12 June 2020
Elevation: 2,217m
Less common nymphalid species in the region.

Kanetisa Digna
Kanetisa Digna

Chitral White Admiral (Limenitis lepechini)

First observed: 20 June 2021
Elevation: 2,113m
Regional endemic named after the Chitral valley.

Chitral White Admiral
Chitral White Admiral

Robert Fritillary (Melitaea robertsi)

First observed: 26 April 2021
Elevation: 2,362m
Attractive fritillary with distinctive checkered pattern.

Robert Fritillary
Robert Fritillary

Family Pieridae (Whites and Yellows)

Large White (Pieris brassicae)

First observed: 12 June 2020
Elevation: 2,110m
Common agricultural pest species, found near vegetable gardens.

Large White
Large White

Small White (Pieris rapae)

First observed: 20 July 2020
Elevation: 2,263m
Smaller relative of Large White, equally common.

Small White
Small White

Pioneer White (Belenois aurota)

First observed: 9 September 2020
Elevation: 2,107m
Migratory species occasionally reaching the region.

Pioneer White
Pioneer White

Eastern Pale Clouded Yellow (Colias erate)

First observed: 19 July 2020
Elevation: 2,266m
Pale yellow butterfly common in meadows and open areas.

Eastern Pale Clouded Yellow
Eastern Pale Clouded Yellow

Family Hesperiidae (Skippers)

Mallow Skipper (Carcharodus alceae)

First observed: 22 June 2020
Elevation: 2,116m
Small, fast-flying skipper associated with mallow plants.

Mallow Skipper
Mallow Skipper

Chitral Inky Skipper (Erynnis pathan)

First observed: 19 July 2020
Elevation: 2,197m
Regional endemic species, important for local biodiversity.

Chitral Inky Skipper
Chitral Inky Skipper

Family Papilionidae (Swallowtails)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

First observed: 29 April 2021
Elevation: 2,365m
Large, distinctive species and the only swallowtail recorded during the survey.

Old World Swallowtail
Old World Swallowtail

Discussion

Regional Significance

This study represents the first systematic documentation of butterfly diversity for Booni, Upper Chitral. The 23 species documented across diverse habitat types provide valuable baseline data for the region. The survey methodology, combining field expertise and modern technology (mobile photography and GPS), demonstrates an effective approach for biodiversity documentation in remote mountain regions.

Notable Records

Several species of regional significance were documented:

  1. Chitral Inky Skipper (Erynnis pathan) - Regional endemic
  2. Chitrali Satyr (Satyrus pimpla) - Named after the Chitral region
  3. Chitral White Admiral (Limenitis lepechini) - Uncommon species

Conservation Implications

The elevation gradient documented (2,105-2,571m) represents a critical zone for monitoring climate change impacts. Montane butterflies in the Hindu Kush are particularly vulnerable to warming temperatures and habitat modification.

Limitations

  • Survey coverage limited to accessible areas within Booni and immediate surroundings
  • Surveys conducted during daylight hours only
  • Seasonal coverage focused on warmer months (April-October)
  • High-elevation and remote areas undersampled due to accessibility constraints

Conclusions

This baseline survey establishes foundational data on butterfly diversity in Booni, Upper Chitral. The documentation of 23 species across diverse families and habitats demonstrates the area’s ecological value. Future research should focus on:

  • Extended seasonal surveys covering all months
  • Larval host plant associations
  • Population monitoring of endemic species
  • Climate change vulnerability assessments
  • Systematic sampling of underexplored high-elevation sites

Acknowledgments

Sincere gratitude to Mr. Ackram Awan, butterfly expert of Pakistan, for his invaluable assistance with species identifications and taxonomic verification. Thanks to the iNaturalist community for additional identification support.

References

  1. iNaturalist. (2020-2021). Community species identifications. Available at: https://www.inaturalist.org/people/syed_inzimam

  2. Awan, A. Personal communication. Expert identification and verification of butterfly species from Upper Chitral.

  3. Bingham, C.T. (1905-1907). The Fauna of British India, Including Ceylon and Burma: Butterflies (Vols. 1-2). Taylor and Francis, London.

  4. Wynter-Blyth, M.A. (1957). Butterflies of the Indian Region. Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai.

Data Availability: All observation data, photographs, and R code are available at: [https://github.com/Syedinzimam]

Contact: []

sessionInfo()
## R version 4.5.1 (2025-06-13 ucrt)
## Platform: x86_64-w64-mingw32/x64
## Running under: Windows 10 x64 (build 19045)
## 
## Matrix products: default
##   LAPACK version 3.12.1
## 
## locale:
## [1] LC_COLLATE=English_Pakistan.utf8  LC_CTYPE=English_Pakistan.utf8   
## [3] LC_MONETARY=English_Pakistan.utf8 LC_NUMERIC=C                     
## [5] LC_TIME=English_Pakistan.utf8    
## 
## time zone: Asia/Karachi
## tzcode source: internal
## 
## attached base packages:
## [1] stats     graphics  grDevices utils     datasets  methods   base     
## 
## other attached packages:
##  [1] magick_2.9.0      kableExtra_1.4.0  knitr_1.50        htmlwidgets_1.6.4
##  [5] viridis_0.6.5     viridisLite_0.4.2 DT_0.34.0         plotly_4.11.0    
##  [9] leaflet_2.2.3     sf_1.0-22         lubridate_1.9.4   forcats_1.0.1    
## [13] stringr_1.5.2     dplyr_1.1.4       purrr_1.1.0       readr_2.1.5      
## [17] tidyr_1.3.1       tibble_3.3.0      ggplot2_4.0.0     tidyverse_2.0.0  
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##  [1] tidyselect_1.2.1        farver_2.1.2            S7_0.2.0               
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##  [7] timechange_0.3.0        lifecycle_1.0.4         magrittr_2.0.4         
## [10] compiler_4.5.1          rlang_1.1.6             sass_0.4.10            
## [13] tools_4.5.1             utf8_1.2.6              yaml_2.3.10            
## [16] data.table_1.17.8       labeling_0.4.3          bit_4.6.0              
## [19] classInt_0.4-11         xml2_1.4.0              RColorBrewer_1.1-3     
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